St John Guernsey Knight Commander Investiture.
18 March 2026
A special investiture ceremony, normally only held at the headquarters of St John in London, has taken place in Guernsey to invest two Knight Commanders of the International Order of St John.
The event at Government House saw John Hollis and Marc Farror formally promoted to the rank of Knight Commander of the Order, both promotions having been sanctioned by His Royal Highness King Charles III.
Mr Hollis previously held the role of Knight Commander of St John in the Bailiwick of Guernsey but had to step down due to ill health before his ceremonial appointment was able to take place. Mr Hollis was succeeded by Marc Farror who took up the role in January 2025. During the ceremony, which was conducted by Prior of England and the Islands, Simon Williams and His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor Sir Richard Cripwell, a ‘transfer of power’ signified the transition of leadership to Marc Farror.
Marc Farror said: “I am thrilled to be invested as Knight Commander alongside my good friend John Hollis. John, in his short time as the Knight Commander of St John in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, made such a positive impact on our organisation, and as the new Knight Commander, I realise that I have a lot to accomplish to fill his shoes.
He added: “It is an honour to be recognised as part of the Order of St John, as it is a 900 year old order of chivalry, that has its origins in pilgrims making their pilgrimage to the Holy Land and seeking aid and refuge from the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem.
“I’d like to thank the wider team in St John, our staff, volunteers, and our community, who give us tremendous support. They are the heroes who give their time who deserve this accolade. I feel privileged to serve in such a team.”
The proceedings were supported by Rob Millington, Head of Chancery for St John, and Alan Cook, Director of Ceremonies. Also in attendance were local Members and Officers of the Order of St John, the St John Guernsey Cadet of the Year, the St John Board of Directors and Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of Policy and Resources at the States of Guernsey, and the families of John Hollis and Marc Farror.
The Knight Commander is the figurehead of the organisation and chair of the board which oversees the St John Guernsey Charity and the Ambulance and Rescue service, providing strategic oversight of the Commandery of St John in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
